Concrete sinking and settling is a common problem. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, warehouse floors, and even interior slabs can shift or drop over time. If you’ve noticed uneven surfaces or trip hazards, you might be asking if foam concrete lifting is the right fix.
Here’s everything you’d ever need to know about this concrete repair method…
Skip to a Section:
- Basics of Foam Lifting
- Process and Performance
- Safety and Materials
- Cost and Applications
- Signs and Solutions
Basics of Foam Lifting
What is foam concrete lifting?
Foam concrete lifting uses a specialized polyurethane foam to raise and stabilize sunken concrete. The foam is injected through small holes drilled into the slab. As it expands, it fills voids beneath the surface and lifts the concrete back into place. The foam expands up to 25x its volume within seconds, creating enough lift to restore the slab without causing damage.
This method is quick, clean, and doesn’t need heavy machinery or large demo crews.
How does the foam lift concrete?
The foam starts as a liquid. Once injected, it reacts and expands under the slab. As it grows, it fills empty space and gently pushes the concrete upward. Once it sets, it hardens and supports the slab long-term.
This process uses a two-part mixture that reacts on contact, forming a dense, closed-cell foam. That foam resists moisture and holds shape over time. We inject in small stages, raising the slab gradually for a controlled, precise lift that avoids cracks or overcorrection.
What causes concrete to sink in the first place?
Some common causes:
- Soil erosion under the slab
- Poor compaction during construction
- Heavy loads or traffic
- Water intrusion and drainage problems
Process and Performance
What’s the difference between interior and exterior foam lifting?
Interior lifting typically focuses on slabs inside homes or buildings, such as garage floors, basement slabs, or interior warehouse flooring. Exterior lifting includes driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, and more. Both use the same foam but may require different equipment setups and access points.
How deep can the foam go?
Foam can be injected several feet below the surface if needed. For deep voids or erosion under large slabs, multiple injection points and longer rods may be used to place the foam exactly where support is needed.
How long does it take?
Most jobs are done in a few hours. In many cases, you can walk or drive on the surface the same day.
Cure time for the foam is usually under 15 minutes, which keeps wait time short and the job moving.
Will it make a mess?
No. The holes are about the size of a penny. There’s no dust cloud, no hauling away broken concrete, and no long cleanup. Our concrete foundation repair team patches the injection holes neatly before leaving. Unlike mudjacking, there’s no messy slurry or heavy machinery damaging nearby grass or surfaces.
How long does foam lifting last?
The foam doesn’t shrink or settle. It stays in place for years, often longer than the original slab held up. It also resists water and pests.
Most polyurethane foams used in concrete leveling are rated for decades of underground use.
Can this be done at my business without shutting down?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of foam concrete raising is how little it disrupts daily use. We often work during off-hours or in stages to keep operations going.
There’s no need to tear out slabs, so foot and vehicle traffic can pick back up quickly.
Safety and Materials
Can the foam be used near plumbing or utilities?
Yes. Polyurethane foam can be injected around existing plumbing, electrical conduit, and other buried systems without damage. Our foundation maintenance team locates utilities in advance and adjusts depth and pressure to work safely around them.
Is it safe for pets?
Once cured, the foam is completely safe for pets. It is non-toxic, does not release harmful gases, and stays sealed below the surface where animals won’t interact with it.
Is it safe for my home or business?
Yes. The foam is safe around foundations, landscaping, and building structures. It’s waterproof and stable, so it won’t wash out or break down with time.
It doesn’t leach chemicals into the soil or groundwater and meets EPA standards for non-toxicity.
Is the foam environmentally friendly?
Yes. The foam is inert, non-toxic, and safe for indoor and outdoor use. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t stress the soil below.
It won’t attract termites, break down in wet conditions, or release harmful gases.
Cost and Applications
Is it cheaper than replacing concrete?
In most cases, yes. Foam lifting can cost 50-70% less than full replacement. You also avoid days of downtime and disruption. You keep your original concrete, which often blends better than patches or new pours.
Read now: How much does concrete leveling cost?
Will it work on my [driveway, sidewalk, etc.]?
Foam concrete lifting works on many surfaces:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Patios
- Garage floors
- Pool decks
- Warehouse slabs
- Office entryways
- Factory floors
Our concrete repair company has used this method on everything from residential porches to industrial loading bays, it holds up well even in demanding environments. If you’re unsure, have a foundation inspector look at the problem firsthand.
Signs and Solutions
How do I know if I need foam concrete lifting?
Here are a few signs:
- Uneven or sunken concrete slabs
- Cracks that keep spreading
- Trip hazards or pooling water
- Doors or gates that no longer close right
Early signs often go unnoticed. If you catch the problem before it gets worse, repairs are easier, cheaper, and less invasive.
Work With Pros Who Know Houston Concrete Lifting
Leveled Concrete has helped thousands of homeowners and businesses across the Greater Houston area. Our foam concrete lifting process is fast, reliable, and backed by years of field experience. Call us at (832) 995-2000 or book online to schedule your inspection. Let’s fix that concrete ASAP!